When HR Gives A Shit But Doesn’t Take It – A War Cry for some Soft HR

Recently, a Gallup poll found that Singapore is the most emotionless society in the world. No wonder, when politician’s wages are linked to the GDP that productivity is the focus of government, rather than the happiness (or even emotion capability) of citizens.

What’s this got to do with HR?

Well I reckon if an organisation was a nation, finance would be the people calculating the GDP and aiding in strategies to maximise it. HR would be the people calculating and strategising on Gross National Happiness (GNH).

Just like HR, the GNH has its fair share of detractors. In fact, a lot of the time HR doesn’t get the recognition it should, and is in the same struggle for credibility that the GNH is in. HR looks into matters finance can’t represent with numbers, and it’s equally important despite being on the warm and fuzzies instead of the cold and foldables. Both finance and HR are strategic, both are aiming to make it a more productive organisation.

All this talk of HR being business minded, getting a seat at the table, thinking strategically, and proving itself in the bottom line – it makes us look like we think we are lacking as professionals. But we are equally as kick ass! Looking into the emotional side of things doesn’t make HR a counsellor, or the creepy soft voiced person who likes to rub your arm while you’re talking to them.

When HR gives a shit it’s looking at things like healthcare, working hours, commutes, community, facilities, safety, diversity, and everything else that isn’t in a P&L. And when HR doesn’t take shit, it fights the good fight of consistency, fairness, discipline, and accountability.

Happiness is not smiles, and rainbows, and good mates as colleagues, and a fun work environment. That’s cool and all, but most people would be so much happier at work if their job was secure, they were treated with respect, issues were resolved quickly, and they didn’t need to break their personal moral code to get the job done. I think adults never really lose some things that make us happy as children, you know, like boundaries and people expecting the best of us.

HR is the champion of this and that is pretty badass.

I’ll see you in the office tomorrow wearing your biker jacket – you badass you.

Now, if only we could get rid of the stereotype that a woman that cares is motherly and a man that cares is an exceptional leader.

Cheers,

Sarah

Btw, if you’re wondering how I can be employed in HR, and write about HR – here‘s my explanation.